DWD 224.01DWD 224.01Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to implement the law relating to complaints filed against the state as an employer under subch. III of ch. 230, Stats., commonly referred to as the “whistleblower" law.

DWD 224.02 NoteNote: Section 230.80 (4), Stats., provides that “governmental unit" means “any association, authority, board, commission, department, independent agency, institution, office, society or other body in state government created or authorized to be created by the constitution or any law, including the legislature, the office of the governor and the courts. `Governmental unit' does not mean any political subdivision of the state or body within one or more political subdivisions which is created by law or by action of one or more political subdivisions."

DWD 224.02(9)(9) “Probable cause" means a reasonable ground for belief, supported by facts and circumstances strong enough in themselves to warrant a prudent person to believe, that a violation of subch. III of ch. 230, Stats., probably has been or is being committed.

DWD 224.02(10)(10) “Respondent" means the appointing authority, agent of an appointing authority, supervisor, or governmental unit alleged to have committed an action prohibited by subch. III of ch. 230, Stats.

DWD 224.03(1)(1)Who may file complaints. A complaint may be filed by any employee or by the employee's duly authorized representative. A complaint filed by a representative shall state that the representative is authorized to file the complaint.